For families who make the One of a Kind Holiday Show part of their yearly routine in Chicago, the experience is shaped in large part by Kathleen Hogan, who helps design the event with kids and parents in mind. The annual show brings together independent artists, hands-on activities, and family-friendly spaces that encourage children to explore creativity while giving parents a relaxed way to shop and spend time together.
Hogan’s approach focuses on how families actually move through the show. Rather than treating kids as an afterthought, she looks for ways to keep them engaged, curious and included alongside adults.
What families experience at the One of a Kind Holiday Show
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Hogan describes the One of a Kind Holiday Show as “a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.”
Each year, families walk through aisles filled with handmade art and gifts, but Hogan says the experience is designed to feel welcoming for kids as well as adults. Booths are set up to invite questions, conversation and exploration, which helps younger visitors feel included rather than overwhelmed.
“The interactive activities and engaging booth displays create an immersive experience, making it an exciting outing for kids and parents alike,” Hogan says.
For parents, that often means children stay engaged longer, with more opportunities to pause and participate rather than rush from booth to booth.
Why kids love the draw wall at the One of a Kind Show
One of the most popular family-friendly features is the “draw wall” inside the Marwen booth. It is a large shared chalk space where children can draw freely throughout the day.
“It’s a large, blank canvas where kids can grab chalk and draw whatever comes to mind,” Hogan says.
The wall naturally becomes a gathering point where kids watch each other draw, add their own ideas and collaborate without being directed. For parents, it offers a moment of calm and creativity in the middle of a busy show floor.
How artist demos help kids understand creativity
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Hogan also points to hands-on demos and artist gallery tours as important moments for children. Seeing artists work in real time helps kids understand that art does not appear magically. It is created through practice, problem-solving and experimentation.
“By watching skilled artists in action, kids can see the creative process firsthand, which demystifies art-making and encourages them to experiment with their own ideas,” she says.
These moments often spark conversations between kids and parents about how things are made and why creativity matters.
Why supporting small artists matters for children
Beyond creativity, Hogan believes the show helps children understand community and support.
“Supporting independent artists and small businesses teaches kids the value of creativity, hard work and community,” she says.
Meeting artists face-to-face allows kids to connect the products they see with the people behind them. That connection can help children appreciate craftsmanship and understand that real people rely on their work to make a living.
A moment that shows the show’s long-term impact on kids
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One memory stands out to Hogan as a reminder of the show’s long-term impact on families.
“One of my favorite memories is of an emerging artist who shared that she has been coming to the One of a Kind Show since she was a young girl,” Hogan says. “She said it was a family tradition where she loved meeting all of the artists, and was so inspired by their creativity, she became an artist herself and is now in the show.”
For Hogan, stories like that reflect why parents continue bringing their kids year after year. The experience offers more than a day out. It gives children exposure to creativity, confidence, and possibility, all within a space designed to feel accessible and welcoming for families.
